Tag Archives: Turkey

The Edition, Istanbul

Posted on by

The London Edition is the hottest hotel in town. Artistic and elegant, it is frequented by A-listers from Kate Moss to Damien Hirst. The Istanbul Edition is quite different in style and purpose; located in the business district of Levent, this high class and high rise building is out on a limb. Although the trendy, wealthy area of Bebek is nearby, there are no hip hang-outs on the doorstep or cool boutiques round the corner. But guests need not fear, a metro station is conveniently just outside the main hotel entrance, delivering you to the centre of town within minutes.

Inside there are very few indications of Istanbul, the sleek modern interiors are welcoming but slightly non-specific. While checking-in, I was distracted away from the reception desk by the tank of exotic fish and sea creatures, design quirks like this gave a showy futuristic feel.

Even the smallest rooms are spacious at the Istanbul Edition. Our Deluxe Room was spread over 50 square metres and had every contemporary gadget you could imagine. From the giant central bed, we could operate every blind, curtain, shutter and light, controlling the exact ambience of the room. An internal curtain drew back to reveal the luxury bathroom in all its glory. The design is the epitome of minimalistic chic. The palette doesn’t deviate from pale grey and warm caramel shades. No one could fault the facilities and the design is sure to appeal to most. I slept like a baby in the regal bed, and adored the large rectangular marble bath, complete with own brand toiletries.

We felt like we were the first guests to experience the space, which is testament to the quality, upkeep and cleanliness.

The ESPA is a ‘destination spa’. Located deep underground it feels totally removed from the rest of the hotel. There are numerous treatment rooms, male and female hammams, rock sauna, steam room and snow cabin, oh, and a plunge pool with a sculptural, shimmering onyx ceiling.

Italian-based Cipriani Restaurant is found on the ground floor, all meals are served here including breakfast. With notably more colour and character, this area of the hotel gives off a different relaxed vibe. Breakfast was a tad dull, the lack of hot, freshly cooked, a la carte items was disappointing.

Although located in the financial district, the Edition Istanbul is much more than a business hotel. The spa is reason alone to visit.

More information and book here.

Cok Cok, Istanbul

Posted on by

The restaurant scene in Istanbul is dominated by traditional tavernas and cafes serving delicious but repetitive meatballs. Cok Cok is a rare novelty in the city offering fresh and flavoursome Thai food for those needing a break from the local fare. A firm favourite with adventurous locals and tourists, Cok Cok was recently voted best ethnic restaurant in Turkey.

Located on a street corner in Beyoğlu, this discreet venue is relaxed and instantly welcoming. Diners sit at simple wooden tables and chat animatedly over a chilled glass of wine. We enjoyed the low-key atmosphere as we anticipated our Thai feast. Starters were piping hot from the kitchen, fresh plump chicken and vegetable spring rolls with the lightest crispy pastry and grilled chicken satay with peanut sauce were a delight.

A sweet and exotic red curry arrived next, steaming and fragrant with a medium spiciness rather than an overpowering chilli hit. Rice noodles with prawns: roasted peanuts, bean sprouts, dried chillies, tofu, eggswas a mild and moreish plate of contrasting textures and tastes. Our favourite though was the irresistible fried chicken with seasonal vegetables, garlic and black pepper sauce: a pile of crispy coated chicken with an aromatic peppery flavour.

The desserts were a big success too, and with my social media followers who liked the photo I posted. The battered banana looked devilishly rich covered in shaved dark chocolate, but it tasted light and gooey coated in a thin crunchy topping, sweet and fruity with a salty kick. The homemade ginger ice-cream was the perfect refreshing final course for me, spicy and creamy. I accompanied my dessert with a traditional thick Turkish coffee, which has a tendency to look and taste a bit like mud, but this time was very drinkable especially with a touch of sugar.

With the devoted Thai chef Miss Nuch in the kitchen, this Asian cuisine, looks and tastes authentic. It would be a success on any city street but in Istanbul it positively thrives, a completely unique restaurant.

More information and book here: www.cokcok.com.tr/

Hot on the Highstreet Week 214 – Shopping in Istanbul

Posted on by

Yastik by Rifat Ozbek – Yastik means cushion in Turkish, and that is exactly what you find in this wonderful emporium. The beautiful cushions in this shop instantly transport you to a different place and culture: brightly coloured, patterned and lovely to touch they are carefully designed and made to be the finest quality. I would have loved a selection of the mini lavender filled cushions to scent all my drawers of clothes.

Selda Okutan – This imaginative and inventive jewellery tells a story. Sculptural jewels and tiny figures are Selda’s specialities though I fell in love with the silver and gold ant brooches, that perfectly resemble the little insects!

Fey – This beautiful and eclectic wardrobe style shop is owned by Turkish Marie Claire’s long-time General Manager and Publishing Director Fatoş Yalın. The boutique is stocked with one-off vintage gems and a selection of delicate and divine own branded clothes. I particularly loved the handmade silk shirts which are softer than any I have felt before, and look simple but seductive on. Fey is a treasure trove to explore and admire.

Kağıthane – This delightful artisan stationery store is filled with intriguing and desirable accessories and paper creations. There are several outlets, I visited the shop in the trendy Karaköy area. A great little place for browsing and picking up souvenirs.

More Istanbul shopping ideas here.